Western Washington turkeys

[W_Ellison2011]

I've always wanted to hunt turkeys and have a few calls and a good shotgun for it but never have done it. My folks live in Onalaska, Wa. and driving around that area and cinnebar area they have seen flocks of wild turkeys. Just wondering if anyone turkey hunts above cinnebar in the forest or the newer clear cuts? Not looking for your spot but just wondering if they are up there? If so I might grab the shotgun and some turkey loads to go give it a whirl while I wait for the summer fishing and fall big game seasons to start kicking up more.

[chester]

If you can get the location they saw them go for it. They will stay in the same area. Either way you’ll be in the woods more. 

[W_Ellison2011]

If you can get the location they saw them go for it. They will stay in the same area. Either way you’ll be in the woods more. 

True. I still am hoping to get more info on the general area as far as turkey hunting goes though before I 100% commit to it. I don't mind having to go out and find them but I'm just wondering if they stick down low to the private property areas or if the flocks have been found up in the public lands. I mean if I have to I will 100% go ask for permission but I do prefer to hunt public lands. Once I find out a little more info it will come down to... do I get some gobbler guillotine heads for my bow or do I take the Mossberg.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

They are there, but the best way I have found to locate them is to get out NOW, if you have not started and hike up behind the gates, or whatever high point you can get to long before daylight.
When all you hear is frogs and coyotes....
When the first birds start singing, listen for gobbles..
You get about 1/2 hour when they will gobble off the roost.
Seems when they fly down they know where everyone is, and become silent. (Unless your right on them)
Puts, purrs, and soft yelps...
Is pretty much it, until they roost.
Unless your close, you wont hear them.
Know of a few that ave been hit crossing Centrailia-Alpha road.

[W_Ellison2011]

They are there, but the best way I have found to locate them is to get out NOW, if you have not started and hike up behind the gates, or whatever high point you can get to long before daylight.
When all you hear is frogs and coyotes....
When the first birds start singing, listen for gobbles..
You get about 1/2 hour when they will gobble off the roost.
Seems when they fly down they know where everyone is, and become silent. (Unless your right on them)
Puts, purrs, and soft yelps...
Is pretty much it, until they roost.
Unless your close, you wont hear them.
Know of a few that ave been hit crossing Centrailia-Alpha road.

That's where we have seen them. Also seen them along 508 in the cinnebar area and just down from the Chinese restaurant on highway 12 across from the Mayfield damn signs. I'm wondering if the ones down off 508 are crossing and going into the new big clear cuts above cinnebar for the fresh growth and bugs up there or staying down low. Thank you for the info btw!

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I mostly see them roosting in trees 20-30 yards into the treeline with a clear place to land when exiting the tree.

Somewhere near water (pretty easy on wet side)
During the day I look for droppings and scratching in the duff.
Once you find them, pack a lunch and do a lot of sitting and listening.
I have more come strolling down the trail/road while I am sitting quiet than when I am calling.
ALWAYS sit at least 1/2 hour before giving up.
Its like elk hunting in the spring.

[BPturkeys]

I got kin in Napavine that are very good, long time turkey hunters and they struggle with those Easterns in the area. It's so darn thick. One of the boys did have a yahoo sneak in and shoot one of his decoys a few years back...don't think the boys have hunted the West side since.

[W_Ellison2011]

Thanks for the info fellas. I'm going to be doing some scouting and seeing if I can find a flock on public land to hunker down on.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Should be able to, if you get out soon.
Most flocks I have found in Feb-March, they get pretty quiet once April hits.
But if you know where they are..

[W_Ellison2011]

Should be able to, if you get out soon.
Most flocks I have found in Feb-March, they get pretty quiet once April hits.
But if you know where they are..

I know a couple spots where we see them regularly on farms. I might just go knock on doors and ask permission. Worst that can happen is they say no and I move on. I'm used to that from elk hunting some areas anyways lol! There is always 1 neighbor that will give you permission to tick off the other neighbors!

[ctwiggs1]

They’re the hardest to hunt in the thickest area and with the lowest population. Not what I would recommend for a beginner but if you’re just looking for some time in the woods and the possibility of seeing a turkey, go for it! 

[W_Ellison2011]

They’re the hardest to hunt in the thickest area and with the lowest population. Not what I would recommend for a beginner but if you’re just looking for some time in the woods and the possibility of seeing a turkey, go for it! 

That's the general idea. Just some more time in the woods to help clear the mind. Nothing like fresh clean mountain air and no traffic to help make your mind right again. If I see a turkey cool... if not no biggy. Its the same with my other hunting. I love to fill my freezer with venison but if I don't see a deer, elk, or bear... no big deal. At least I got to go out and enjoy some time in the woods.